C. Dayton "Dayton" Riddle IV

Gray T. Culbreath Gray Culbreath represents corporations, individuals and insurers in trials and appeals. For almost 30 years he has handled complex trials and appeals in federal and state courts across South Carolina. His career has taken Gray from Army courtrooms to every federal and state courthouse in South Carolina. His principal areas of practice include all types of complex commercial and class action litigation, including antitrust, product liability and mass tort as well as claims of...

G. Murrell Smith, Jr. is a co-founding partner of Smith Robinson. G. Murrell Smith, Jr. A native of Florence, South Carolina, Murrell grew up in Sumter, where he graduated from Wilson Hall in 1986. He attended Wofford College in 1990, earning a Bachelor of Arts in History and Government. After earning his Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1993, Murrell began practicing law in his hometown of Sumter. He started with a general law practice yet simultaneously se...

Cory E. Manning is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Securities. Cory E., who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Cory E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John F. Kuppens is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. John F., who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2009. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jon Pearson is a partner in the firm's Columbia office. His practice emphasizes employment litigation of all types before state and federal courts, as well as traditional labor law. He has handled lawsuits and administrative charges involving wrongful discharge, Title VII, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), as well as many other types of employment-based claims. Jon has al...

D. Larry Kristinik III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Securities. D. Larry, who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which D. Larry is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Elizabeth Franklin-Best is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. Elizabeth, who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Elizabeth is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mike Carrouth is a partner in the Columbia office. He is certified as a Specialist in Labor Law by the South Carolina Supreme Court. Mike has represented clients in successfully responding to union organizing efforts in 30 states. This work includes successfully defending against multi-site and multi-state national organizing blitzes and card-check/neutrality campaigns. Mike also has represented clients in numerous litigation matters, including jury trials, involving Family and Medical Leave ...

John T. Lay

Jack B. Swerling is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice, Criminal Defense: General Practice and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Jack B., who practices law in Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized since 1993. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jack B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.